1910.179(j)(1)(ii): Frequent and Periodic Crane Inspections
Inspections of overhead cranes in regular service are divided into two types based on how often they are done. Frequent inspections are at daily to monthly intervals, and periodic inspections are at 1 to 12-month intervals.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 47 times in the last 3 years, in 40 inspections, with $141,371 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (11), MO (10), PR (5).
- Related part: 1910.179(j) Inspection (426 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) Inspection procedure for cranes in regular service is divided into two general classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as “frequent” and “periodic” with respective intervals between inspections as defined below: 47 citations
(a) Frequent inspection—Daily to monthly intervals.
(b) Periodic inspection—1 to 12-month intervals.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j)(1)(ii).
At 8:40 a.m. on April 18, 2024, an employee working for a glass and glazing contractor was attempting to maneuver a 3-ton overhead crane to unsecured windowframes. The window frames were staged in for metal fabrication prep in the assembly area. While moving one of…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 13 |
Top states: TX (11), MO (10), PR (5), OH (3), RI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RAIL MODAL GROUP | KANSAS CITY, MO | $19,861 |
| ST JOHNS SHIP BUILDING, INC. | PALATKA, FL | $10,372 |
| SUMMIT SEALANTS, INC. | SEDALIA, CO | $10,000 |
| 68797 - DAE-IL USA INC | MURRAY, KY | $7,560 |
| ARROWALL COMPANY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(j)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(j)(1)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j) Inspection 426 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection 209 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3) Periodic inspection 158 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1) Inspection classification 53 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(i) 8 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two types of crane inspection?
Frequent and periodic.
How often are frequent inspections?
At daily to monthly intervals.
How often are periodic inspections?
At 1 to 12-month intervals.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.